This is by far the best of 4014. No whisel, no wheel slip, no drama.... just doing what she has always done. Shove freight. Thank you for this recording of her.
There was wheel slip and rightfully so. (EG 3:51 mark) Happened a few times in its journey. One major slip it had was just after it attached to the consist and started taking up slack. Once the slack was taken up and moving , it slipped bad. 4015 helped it with a nice "nudge" but returned to high idle shortly thereafter. I say rightfully so because not only did it have to push 11K tons of almost dead weight, from a dead stop, it had to haul its own consist to boot.
@@1x_rj_x1 DPed locomotives don't struggle either. That big boy is doing something we do in modern times. It is called distributed power, or DP. We have locomotives that are controlled from the head end by radio further back in the train. Before that, we had helpers on the rear of the train used to push us up grade.
@@IAmAnonymyz Obsolete? Absolutely. But is there also just somethings Diesels can't do that steam can? Also absolutely! She's old and largely obsolete, but she's still sometimes the only thing for the job!
Thats historical there. You guys really caught something special there. Manifest breaks down, big boy comes up at near 100 years old, just says hold my drink, ill show you young bucks what its all about.... Love it
To be fair, this locomotive isn't doing this in spite of being old. It's doing it because it was resurrected from non-usable condition to like-new condition, and at tremendous expense. The two ideas are not at all the same.
As a UK steam enthusiast of 70 years, I am not the slightest bit surprised at this tremendous display of steam superiority. This is what the Big Boy was designed for after all. Steam is an amazing power source and is what drives the turbines in nuclear power stations.
Again, to be fair, this is not a demonstration of "steam superiority". I saw on another video of this same event where a local railfan remarked that long and heavy trains commonly stall on Blair Hill, and in this particular case it happened because one unit out of a multi-unit consist had a minor breakdown, and the remaining units had difficulty only because the rails were wet. He said that whenever a train stalls here, it's normal procedure for the next train that comes along to help it over the hill. So clearly, modern diesels do this job while pulling full-size trains of their own and nobody thinks twice about it. I'm a big fan of the Big Boy and am thrilled that it was resurrected it, but let's not overstate what's happening here.
@@ericl2969you need to do some research. The average steam locomotive is 4 to 10 times more powerful than a diesel locomotive. The frequent maintenance of a steam locomotive versus a diesel locomotive is what made them go out of use.
Early models, yes, they were definitely inferior in terms of power. But current models like the ET44AC is nearly twice as capable with 2/3s the hp and half the length. With the tanker the big boy was over 130 feet long. Where as the aforementioned diesel is under 75 feet. But still...this is awesome seeing it do what it was built to do and showing it still can with ease. All that being said, some experts say that there wouldn't be much difference if companies focused on steam instead.
@@northernKaizerhp has absolutely nothing to do with pushing or pulling power it's the 138,240 ftLb of torque is what makes bigboy far more powerful than any diesel could ever hope to be
Finally, the restored Big Boy has done what she was designed & engineered to do - AWESOME!!! Thanks to the UP Steam Team for making that dream a reality! And thanks for bringing us trackside via this video!
@@Bryan-Hensley Why are you on every thread moaning about the diesel locomotive? Let's set aside the myriad of safety reasons for having the diesel, or it's need as a much better source of power for the cars. Lets sat it's just there to help, which it really doesn't sound like it is really, but still, if it is; The diesel engine doesn't magically cancel out the power stroked out by the 4014. Multi-unit operation was standard back in its hay day, Big Boy 4003 would double team with 4012. Even still standard even today, and if the the Big Boy can work with the new tech, as opposed to against it, that can only help it's image, not hinder. We can all see it's an 80 year old articulated reciprocating steam locomotive, lets use some brains here.
The old 4014 still has what it takes, and then some. I live in Cheyenne, and I watched the Big Boy get restored. Nice to see she can still do a job, when asked.
here in the netherlands a steamtram locomotive from hoor medemblik pulled an NS electric ICM ( intercity material ) its not comparable, but a steam tram locomotive is 5 times as small as big boy!
Listening to the sound as 4014 does its work it seems to me that there is still plenty of power in reserve. 4014 could shift a train of double that length. What a magnificent piece of machinery.
Yeah you could clearly hear that 4014 wasn't really working that hard because there wasn't that many cars behind it I mean those cars and one locomotive and an old caboose can't really weigh that much but it's impressive I still keep promoting that UP should put her to work pulling freight once or twice a year and advertise it on TV and radio and make a big thing of it I bet a ton of people would show up to watch 4014 do what she was designed to do and that's pull freight I love that the restorer but they got to put her to work.
It also helps that steam engines are usually not too picky about what they use for fuel, so I place high odds that UP might run her on a biofuel of some kind as a sort of PR trailblazer.
@@__-fm5qv That's 1/3 of the reason that 4014 keeps a diesel helper around: traction. Once she gets going, my goodness does she go, but until then, she might need a little help. The other two reasons are braking (same problem as getting started) and providing electricity to the passenger cars.
844 with Steve Lee helped a stalled freight and there is video of 3985 pulling freight also. The UP is a freight railroad, good to see the heritage guys haven't forgot. A very light bit of work for an engine as capable as a 4000!
Very impressive to see this footage of a steam locomotive in freight train helper service in 2023, big boy 4014 delivered an amazing performance right here as an unexpected savior for a stalled freight train.
@@emrilbennett8704 i was there that day by pure coincidence and actually got to see 4014 hook up with the stalled freight train ,,listening to it as it starts to push there is nothing else on the planet that shakes the ground the way this monster does ,,it had a tremendous wheel slip when it was first starting out the front engine unit broke traction and the whole area shook
Impresionante la potencia de esa máquina, no sólo tira de su propio convoy, sino que además apoya a otro mucho más grande (y pesado). Me alegra que haya países en los que estas preciosidades aún estén bien conservadas y en uso
I used to visit her in Pomona as a static display and watched her get pulled up Cajon Pass to get the refit in Cheyenne. So satisfying to see 4014 working on the rails.
@@longrider42It’s drivers slipped multiple times. It definitely was being pushed to its limits. You’re probably one of the deluded people who goes around saying the Big Boys pulled 5 mile long trains while in regular service.
It's a heavy train even for two diesels (one possibly damaged) a Big Boy, lots of stack talk and the radius bar was pretty far down. As @emd6459 commented the front drivers were slipping at 3:52, highlighting a tradeoff on the design, the front and rear drivers can't be controlled separately, if one slips, power has to be reduced on both. So yeah this is it, this is a Big Boy going pretty much all out and it's amazing.
That train wasn't that large. If I had to guess, the stalled train had a mechanical issue. Given it is the stupid UP, they probably cut traction motors out instead of replacing them. Too expensive. NS did the same thing. Talked to an official who told me "Those traction motors cost $100,000. We can't replace them." I responded, "You do realize that without traction motors we can't move the train; right?"
In the late 1960s and early 70s, me and my cousins had the privilege of being able to play on the 4004, at Holiday Park in Cheyenne Wyoming as kids. Now it's fenced in.😢 It never gets old watching the 4014 running.❤😊
Not only was Big Boy in the right place at the right time, but it showed just how powerful it really is. These locomotives used to pull huge trains over Sherman Hill by themselves. This kind of assist was kids play.
Huge trains? Curious. What do you consider a "huge train?" I'll beat you to the punch. The "huge trains" back then don't hold a candle to what we run today. My best? (worst) was 31,000 tons. Only 174 cars tho. My longest? 230 cars. Four locomotives, Two DP.
Would love to hear from the actual engineer and fireman on how 4014 reacted to being asked to so a little real work? Cheering in my seat to hear the sound of the engine under load.
She was certainly "hittin' the double lick" towards the end of the video. As a young kid neighbors who worked with steam on the N&W explained the sound when big Mallets were working hard and the engines were slightly out of sych, it was the sweetest sound to be heard. I'm sure there were smiles when the sound of 4014 working on the push passed thru the Pearly Gates.
Going off a rough estimate of what it was pulling plus what it was pushing, they were probably getting a little past half throttle at points. Certainly doing work but it could do a lot more if needed.
The UP #844 did the same exact thing years ago and didn't fail to impress either. Unfortunately the UP #3985 didn't have this same opportunity but it was the only UP steamer to actually pull a freight train. It handled that APL stack train like so finely.
That video of UP#3985 pulling the double stack container train was awesome. Also even after railroads has officially dieseled, there were still many steam locomotives helping the diesels over the hills like AT&SF #5000 "Madame Queen" at Raton Pass. She is now diaplayed in Amarillo Texas.
I was born in 1965 and Ive siad for most of my live that I was born 100 years too late! Man that is some raw power. Old steam train to young diesel, I got you boy. Im just gonna push your load and I'll pull mine too!
I think some people forget, that back in "the day" trains were shorter/lower overall tonnage. But, the trucks mostly were friction bearing trucks vs modern roller bearing that roll easier, especially in colder weather. Modern freight trains vs what 4014 pulled in her revenue days is apples to oranges. Still was great to see, especially once she found her footing and dug in hard. I would have loved to heard the stack bark in person. Pushing or pulling tonnage stalled on the grade is hard work, you have no momentum to help, your started from dead stopped. Any curvature adds to the load. Impressive no matter what. Hopefully sometime UP lets 4014 pull some revenue freight like 3985 did with the APL Stacker.
You can hear 4014 working hard, but I mean, 11,000 tons back in its peak would have been child's play. I bet this push barely had it breaking a sweat. And, I bet the sound was glorious to hear in person.
To be pedantic, 11,000 tons is the upper limit of what a big boy was rated for in revenue service. It's also not like it was doing this by itself- one of the 2 diesels assigned to this was still pulling the train. If a big boy tried to take an 11K ton train up a 1% grade, it'd need helpers too lmfao
@@rayhankazianga6817The diesel is mostly there as a generator for the passenger trains and brakes for the Big Boy. So that the parts don't wear out too quickly. But while coasting down the tracks? All Big Boy.
@@PereMarquette1223 Yeah. One broke down, and reportedly the remaining units still had enough power but the rails were wet and they lacked traction. My understanding is that it's common for trains to stall here and that they simply get a push from whatever the next train happens to be. Happens all the time - no big deal.
Big Boy always has a diesel buddy (mainly for dynamic braking) but i saw no extra exhaust from the diesel. I guess they were letting the Boy have all the fun 😊
I truly hope the last few remaining engineers and firemen who are yet alive can see these videos of this unique situation of Big Boy doing "revenue work" that they did day-in, day out and enduring massive cinder clouds in tunnels -- a "real moment" for those intrepid steam operators!! Unique modern history moment for steam to save the day!!
Well that would be badass to see 4014 working day in and day out but steam on the rail is an expensive endeavor nobody would go back to that back in the day that's all they had they didn't have diesels to do the work we got today I don't think the guy is saying that steam is superior to anything else He's just saying it's badass that big boy is out there on the rail showing off.
4014 was designed and built to haul heavy freight trains over the Rockies. It's really amazing that this locomotive can shove an 11,000 ton train, pull its own and still have plenty of power to spare. it's an amazing sight to see.
The diesel is probably just providing electric power for the cars and maybe compressed air for the brakes. From the sound of the prime mover I doubt it’s even putting power to its traction motors.
Despite being rated for what, 5000 tons; a lot of the rolling stock nowadays is on roller bearings which are easier to move than the old journal boxes hence this scene that we are so glad happened.
I remember seeing the pre-restoration videos of the Big Boy needing to be pulled as it had no power. And now here it is, pushing and pulling at the same time. Truly wonderful. 🥲
So powerful, truly impressive,massive and wonderfully made. These locomotive trains are made and designed that can stand the test of time. Great job brainy and hard working people during those time..✌️💖💪🙏🤩
Much thanks to Ed Dickens and his team for completely rebuilding and resurrecting Big Boy 4014. It is a joy to see them operating it with such skill and devotion.
Westinghouse air brakes have been standard on US railroads for over 100 years, 4014 can control them by itself. What the diesel provides is a PTC interface for safety, Dynamic brakes since the steamer doesn't have that ability, a boost if they get stuck, and conserving fuel and water between events by having the diesel move the train with the steamer coasting in front. For this they would have put the diesel down to idle so that 4014 could properly clear its throat and impress railfans worldwide.
Even today with the modern diesel electric locomotives, a big blast from the past is needed to save the day! All while pulling its own train! Gosh darn that is amazing power.
What l would like to know is how much of this train was in compression as a result of 4014 pushing from the rear? The skill of a pusher engineer has to be top notch as to much compression could derail any or all the cars in between. This was magnificent, thanks to all that were responsible
Very impressive! Los of stack talk. The old boy laid right into the freight to show everyone who the boss is! Did 4014's protection power help with the move or was it just hanging out and watching the steamer?
Now this is what I call a super rescue. It would definitely make a superb Railway Series story, but with the Big Boy engine as the focus instead of Henry. Normally, I like seeing me a cavalcade of long, heavy trains, but when it comes to getting halted at a railroad crossing having to almost be late for work and sh!t, an exception is somewhat in consideration, philosophically. But trains are cool, railroading sounds like a delight of inspiration I'd so be interested in doing for a honest living. I'm still following that dream, and I won't stop til it comes true. I'll be a changed man forever.
A lot of comments have been made of other locomotives like the Yellowstones which had a slightly greater tractive effort but the UP Big Boys and Challengers were built for speed! They had better better balancing and a really sophisticated front lead truck suspension . The DMIR Yellowstones were never intended to go 60 mph while Big Boys and Challengers often did. Same goes for the N&W Y6 series, powerful brutes for mostly low speed ore train operations, high speed use was possible but the low drivers would cause the motion to wear rapidly. And then there were the Allegheny's which were a controversial design that was never fully utilized.
Anyone notice at 2.35 loose load of I beams ? Appears the one closest had moved back. Very dangerous. And that's folks why you never stand next to the line with a freight going past at speed. Will have to visit US again. Well done UP for the restoration. Mark Southern Australia
I'd really love to believe this isn't just a PR stunt. They did the same thing with 844 in the 90s. I used to have the history channel video where it was mentioned.
I bet every single person on that passenger train was impressed at the power, and im willing to bet a good chunk of them were honored to be there for this. At least i hope there werent a lot of people complaining about the delay, because to me, theres nothing more beautiful than a steam engine doing what it was designed to do.
That is badass seen 4014 push that freight train up that little grade That's so badass I still think Union Pacific should hook her up to some freight cars and put her to work maybe once or twice a year make a big thing about it I bet a lot of people would come to see that.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
This is by far the best of 4014. No whisel, no wheel slip, no drama.... just doing what she has always done. Shove freight.
Thank you for this recording of her.
There was wheel slip and rightfully so. (EG 3:51 mark) Happened a few times in its journey. One major slip it had was just after it attached to the consist and started taking up slack. Once the slack was taken up and moving , it slipped bad. 4015 helped it with a nice "nudge" but returned to high idle shortly thereafter.
I say rightfully so because not only did it have to push 11K tons of almost dead weight, from a dead stop, it had to haul its own consist to boot.
@@compteck7 Well spotted. Could hardly hear it.
There was wheelslip
technically it's a HIM
I’m so glad to read your comment!!!!! I can’t stand the blowing of the whistle forever for show! Drives me nuts!!!!!
The fact that the big boy is shifting 11,000 tonnes of freight uphill whilst pulling its own train behind it.... bloody awesome
IKR?? So freaking neat!!!
Not really. We do the same everyday with modern locomotives. Frankly, even more weight.
@@GordonTurnerparkAnd 4014 was not struggling at all.
@@1x_rj_x1 DPed locomotives don't struggle either. That big boy is doing something we do in modern times. It is called distributed power, or DP. We have locomotives that are controlled from the head end by radio further back in the train. Before that, we had helpers on the rear of the train used to push us up grade.
@@GordonTurnerpark But the fact that a 1941 engine shoved a big ass diesel train up a grade is hilarious to me.
4014 grumbling: “70 years later and they still can’t pull a train without our help…”
“And the power that was supposed to replace me stalls lmao.”
😂😂😂 steam? Obsolete? Idts
@@IAmAnonymyz Obsolete? Absolutely. But is there also just somethings Diesels can't do that steam can? Also absolutely! She's old and largely obsolete, but she's still sometimes the only thing for the job!
DPU to the next level
Lmfao original comment
Right place, right time award goes to the person that filmed this.
dr rrt
@@anjell0420থ্র ফস করে যে এর ওর😮খগগঙ্গচচছছজজঝঝঞঞৌ
🎉😮
@@anjell0420❤7❤
Lot of people filmed this. Pretty sure UP did it on purpose for fun as a railfan photo op.
Thats historical there. You guys really caught something special there. Manifest breaks down, big boy comes up at near 100 years old, just says hold my drink, ill show you young bucks what its all about....
Love it
nicely put.
4014 can has a Tender weight of 436,500 lb (197,993 kg) ;)
4014 is 82 years old. Still a ways off of 100
@@PereMarquette1223 Maybe, but unlike with a squishy human I am not worried about BigBoy making it to that age.
To be fair, this locomotive isn't doing this in spite of being old. It's doing it because it was resurrected from non-usable condition to like-new condition, and at tremendous expense. The two ideas are not at all the same.
As a UK steam enthusiast of 70 years, I am not the slightest bit surprised at this tremendous display of steam superiority. This is what the Big Boy was designed for after all. Steam is an amazing power source and is what drives the turbines in nuclear power stations.
Again, to be fair, this is not a demonstration of "steam superiority". I saw on another video of this same event where a local railfan remarked that long and heavy trains commonly stall on Blair Hill, and in this particular case it happened because one unit out of a multi-unit consist had a minor breakdown, and the remaining units had difficulty only because the rails were wet. He said that whenever a train stalls here, it's normal procedure for the next train that comes along to help it over the hill. So clearly, modern diesels do this job while pulling full-size trains of their own and nobody thinks twice about it. I'm a big fan of the Big Boy and am thrilled that it was resurrected it, but let's not overstate what's happening here.
@@ericl2969you need to do some research. The average steam locomotive is 4 to 10 times more powerful than a diesel locomotive. The frequent maintenance of a steam locomotive versus a diesel locomotive is what made them go out of use.
Early models, yes, they were definitely inferior in terms of power. But current models like the ET44AC is nearly twice as capable with 2/3s the hp and half the length. With the tanker the big boy was over 130 feet long. Where as the aforementioned diesel is under 75 feet. But still...this is awesome seeing it do what it was built to do and showing it still can with ease. All that being said, some experts say that there wouldn't be much difference if companies focused on steam instead.
@@northernKaizerhp has absolutely nothing to do with pushing or pulling power it's the 138,240 ftLb of torque is what makes bigboy far more powerful than any diesel could ever hope to be
@@ericl2969the bigboy has 138,240 tflb of torque it could move all of that and more on its own is what you seem to be missing
Finally, the restored Big Boy has done what she was designed & engineered to do - AWESOME!!!
Thanks to the UP Steam Team for making that dream a reality! And thanks for bringing us trackside via this video!
You mean the extra diesel engine was helping. The one that big boy has to have to make it across hills.
@@Bryan-Hensley If it was helping, it wouldn't have done a wheel slip during this.
@@FreedomLovingLoyalist I could hear it running hard.. didn't you?
@@Bryan-HensleyNope, it’s either running in high-idle or notch one. Not doing much of anything, if at all.
@@Bryan-Hensley
Why are you on every thread moaning about the diesel locomotive?
Let's set aside the myriad of safety reasons for having the diesel, or it's need as a much better source of power for the cars.
Lets sat it's just there to help, which it really doesn't sound like it is really, but still, if it is;
The diesel engine doesn't magically cancel out the power stroked out by the 4014.
Multi-unit operation was standard back in its hay day, Big Boy 4003 would double team with 4012. Even still standard even today, and if the the Big Boy can work with the new tech, as opposed to against it, that can only help it's image, not hinder.
We can all see it's an 80 year old articulated reciprocating steam locomotive, lets use some brains here.
Everybody on the team that restored 4014 and services her must be so proud!
I'd lay odds that these guys pray every night for this kind of opportunity. There's a hell of a lot of power in that locomotive.
@@Bulldog1653 their prayers were answered that fateful day.
@@Bulldog1653Gives a guy a sense of power, pushing a heavy load while pulling one at the same time. ;)
Absolutely!!!!! Restoring her to pull light excursions is one thing but putting her to work moving massive tonnage is awesome
Everyone here, it’s big BOY, by the way. ;)
The old 4014 still has what it takes, and then some. I live in Cheyenne, and I watched the Big Boy get restored. Nice to see she can still do a job, when asked.
Of course she can do the job My God they restored it it's like it's new now.
@@nightrider6769 He is powerful!
The UP Big Boy 4014 just recently made modern day history of rescuing a modern day freight train from being stranded.
This isn't even the first time something like this happened in UP. Many years ago, 844 helped a stalled diesel get over Archer Hill.
@@Fighterpilot555 I already knew that fact with the UP 4-8-4 #844 in 1996.
@@Fighterpilot555ন্তননপপ
here in the netherlands a steamtram locomotive from hoor medemblik pulled an NS electric ICM ( intercity material ) its not comparable, but a steam tram locomotive is 5 times as small as big boy!
Listening to the sound as 4014 does its work it seems to me that there is still plenty of power in reserve. 4014 could shift a train of double that length. What a magnificent piece of machinery.
Yeah you could clearly hear that 4014 wasn't really working that hard because there wasn't that many cars behind it I mean those cars and one locomotive and an old caboose can't really weigh that much but it's impressive I still keep promoting that UP should put her to work pulling freight once or twice a year and advertise it on TV and radio and make a big thing of it I bet a ton of people would show up to watch 4014 do what she was designed to do and that's pull freight I love that the restorer but they got to put her to work.
It also helps that steam engines are usually not too picky about what they use for fuel, so I place high odds that UP might run her on a biofuel of some kind as a sort of PR trailblazer.
The issue would probably be getting it going without slip happening, but once it's moving it would be no problem I'd imagine.
@@johnrickard8512 should run fine on mcFryoil
@@__-fm5qv That's 1/3 of the reason that 4014 keeps a diesel helper around: traction. Once she gets going, my goodness does she go, but until then, she might need a little help.
The other two reasons are braking (same problem as getting started) and providing electricity to the passenger cars.
What a great sound! I’ll bet the crew enjoyed giving her a good workout.
Whenever I see this engine it brings tears to my eyes , its wonderful.
844 with Steve Lee helped a stalled freight and there is video of 3985 pulling freight also. The UP is a freight railroad, good to see the heritage guys haven't forgot. A very light bit of work for an engine as capable as a 4000!
Thats the sound of the 50's right there
Very impressive to see this footage of a steam locomotive in freight train helper service in 2023, big boy 4014 delivered an amazing performance right here as an unexpected savior for a stalled freight train.
And those passengers in the back, we’re lucky. They actually got to see her do what she was designed to do.
@@emrilbennett8704 i was there that day by pure coincidence and actually got to see 4014 hook up with the stalled freight train ,,listening to it as it starts to push there is nothing else on the planet that shakes the ground the way this monster does ,,it had a tremendous wheel slip when it was first starting out the front engine unit broke traction and the whole area shook
Pure music right there. That sound is amazing. It must have been awesome to see 4014 working like that.
Impresionante la potencia de esa máquina, no sólo tira de su propio convoy, sino que además apoya a otro mucho más grande (y pesado). Me alegra que haya países en los que estas preciosidades aún estén bien conservadas y en uso
That had to be such hard work for both the locomotive and the crew! Absolutely incredible! Exciting aswell!
No. We do it everyday with even larger and heavier trains.
What an amazing sight! Thank you for capturing this and posting it for us all to enjoy!!
I used to visit her in Pomona as a static display and watched her get pulled up Cajon Pass to get the refit in Cheyenne. So satisfying to see 4014 working on the rails.
For something as huge and powerful as a Big Boy, this isn't even a walk in the park and I love it.
The old Boy, didnt even work up a sweat. I live in Cheyenne and I watched him being restored.
@@longrider42It’s drivers slipped multiple times. It definitely was being pushed to its limits. You’re probably one of the deluded people who goes around saying the Big Boys pulled 5 mile long trains while in regular service.
It's a heavy train even for two diesels (one possibly damaged) a Big Boy, lots of stack talk and the radius bar was pretty far down. As @emd6459 commented the front drivers were slipping at 3:52, highlighting a tradeoff on the design, the front and rear drivers can't be controlled separately, if one slips, power has to be reduced on both. So yeah this is it, this is a Big Boy going pretty much all out and it's amazing.
@@emd6459hey,they had a history of slipping the front drivers!!
That train wasn't that large. If I had to guess, the stalled train had a mechanical issue. Given it is the stupid UP, they probably cut traction motors out instead of replacing them. Too expensive. NS did the same thing. Talked to an official who told me "Those traction motors cost $100,000. We can't replace them." I responded, "You do realize that without traction motors we can't move the train; right?"
Absolut perfect!!! Greatings from Germany.
In the late 1960s and early 70s, me and my cousins had the privilege of being able to play on the 4004, at Holiday Park in Cheyenne Wyoming as kids. Now it's fenced in.😢 It never gets old watching the 4014 running.❤😊
Big boy: you know what we called these back in my day?
Diesel: what
Big boy: Shunting
That’s just plain disrespectful 😅😂
LMFAO
Not only was Big Boy in the right place at the right time, but it showed just how powerful it really is. These locomotives used to pull huge trains over Sherman Hill by themselves. This kind of assist was kids play.
Huge trains? Curious. What do you consider a "huge train?" I'll beat you to the punch. The "huge trains" back then don't hold a candle to what we run today. My best? (worst) was 31,000 tons. Only 174 cars tho. My longest? 230 cars. Four locomotives, Two DP.
Would love to hear from the actual engineer and fireman on how 4014 reacted to being asked to so a little real work? Cheering in my seat to hear the sound of the engine under load.
She was certainly "hittin' the double lick" towards the end of the video. As a young kid neighbors who worked with steam on the N&W explained the sound when big Mallets were working hard and the engines were slightly out of sych, it was the sweetest sound to be heard. I'm sure there were smiles when the sound of 4014 working on the push passed thru the Pearly Gates.
Going off a rough estimate of what it was pulling plus what it was pushing, they were probably getting a little past half throttle at points. Certainly doing work but it could do a lot more if needed.
The UP #844 did the same exact thing years ago and didn't fail to impress either. Unfortunately the UP #3985 didn't have this same opportunity but it was the only UP steamer to actually pull a freight train. It handled that APL stack train like so finely.
Do you know what is the occasion for the 3985' APL train?
That video of UP#3985 pulling the double stack container train was awesome. Also even after railroads has officially dieseled, there were still many steam locomotives helping the diesels over the hills like AT&SF #5000 "Madame Queen" at Raton Pass. She is now diaplayed in Amarillo Texas.
I can't tell you how long I've wanted to see a Big Boy do something like this!
I was born in 1965 and Ive siad for most of my live that I was born 100 years too late! Man that is some raw power. Old steam train to young diesel, I got you boy. Im just gonna push your load and I'll pull mine too!
Congratulations you recorded history in the making
I think some people forget, that back in "the day" trains were shorter/lower overall tonnage. But, the trucks mostly were friction bearing trucks vs modern roller bearing that roll easier, especially in colder weather. Modern freight trains vs what 4014 pulled in her revenue days is apples to oranges. Still was great to see, especially once she found her footing and dug in hard. I would have loved to heard the stack bark in person. Pushing or pulling tonnage stalled on the grade is hard work, you have no momentum to help, your started from dead stopped. Any curvature adds to the load. Impressive no matter what. Hopefully sometime UP lets 4014 pull some revenue freight like 3985 did with the APL Stacker.
You can hear 4014 working hard, but I mean, 11,000 tons back in its peak would have been child's play. I bet this push barely had it breaking a sweat. And, I bet the sound was glorious to hear in person.
To be pedantic, 11,000 tons is the upper limit of what a big boy was rated for in revenue service. It's also not like it was doing this by itself- one of the 2 diesels assigned to this was still pulling the train. If a big boy tried to take an 11K ton train up a 1% grade, it'd need helpers too lmfao
@@rayhankazianga6817The diesel is mostly there as a generator for the passenger trains and brakes for the Big Boy. So that the parts don't wear out too quickly. But while coasting down the tracks? All Big Boy.
@@USAFreewayROTF nah, one of the diesels pulling the stalled train
@@rayhankazianga6817 Oh, I was talking about the diesel behind Big Boy.
@@USAFreewayROTF the diesel is a freight type locomotive, which means it doesnt supply any electricity to coaches whatsoever. get it right
These videos of this incident never failed to put a smile on my face
4014 is officially that retired and deceptively strong old guy stepping up when the chips are down.
A historically locomotive still putting in an honest day's work and has great work ethics to boot.
Good camera work, panning on the Big Boy keeping it in the frame. I hope others will learn from this.
Seeing the crew video it, they knew they were experiencing something amazing
"I can't do it, I can't do it, I can't do it" thought the diesels.
"I will do it, I will do it, I will do it" puffed 4014.
The diesels could’ve easily done it. One broke down
One diesel broke down which is why this scenario took place
Thomas and friends reference
@@PereMarquette1223 Yeah. One broke down, and reportedly the remaining units still had enough power but the rails were wet and they lacked traction. My understanding is that it's common for trains to stall here and that they simply get a push from whatever the next train happens to be. Happens all the time - no big deal.
“I think I can I think I can I think I can “
Tillie the little engine that could 1991
Nice to see and hear the old girl flexing her muscles. Thanks for sharing.
Love to see Big Boy doing real WORK! Steam power rules!😊
I've seen several videos of this event. This is the best!
Big Boy always has a diesel buddy (mainly for dynamic braking) but i saw no extra exhaust from the diesel. I guess they were letting the Boy have all the fun 😊
That's extremely amazing to know that a steam engine as big as the Big Boy possessed that much steam power
Not so amazing for a 'Big Boy'......
There had to be some comm chatter between the head end and 4014 crew. So far no one had a scanner?
This things doing the work of both trains. Thats awesome.
Credit to the engineer and the fireman. She's clicking. Congratulations on a one of a kind video.
Now that’s traction effort. How much to push, ok and to pull. Want the earth rotated backwards as well, so to make time up.
Holy crap that's a steam engine? Big Boy putting in some god damn WORK.
So was the ground shaking for ya when 4014 thundered on by? :3
It was shaking a lot. That’s for sure.
@@MidwestHeritageProductions Alright :3
This Majestic Leviathan takes it in stride - The Big Boy's work is NEVER DONE!
I truly hope the last few remaining engineers and firemen who are yet alive can see these videos of this unique situation of Big Boy doing "revenue work" that they did day-in, day out and enduring massive cinder clouds in tunnels -- a "real moment" for those intrepid steam operators!! Unique modern history moment for steam to save the day!!
Well that would be badass to see 4014 working day in and day out but steam on the rail is an expensive endeavor nobody would go back to that back in the day that's all they had they didn't have diesels to do the work we got today I don't think the guy is saying that steam is superior to anything else He's just saying it's badass that big boy is out there on the rail showing off.
About time she does some real work
4014 was designed and built to haul heavy freight trains over the Rockies. It's really amazing that this locomotive can shove an 11,000 ton train, pull its own and still have plenty of power to spare. it's an amazing sight to see.
That big boy stretching his legs, AWESOME:"""""
You can hear the diesel is only on notch 1,maybe 2. Pushing a consist and pulling its own. Lots and lots of power in that old machine even now.
The diesel is probably just providing electric power for the cars and maybe compressed air for the brakes. From the sound of the prime mover I doubt it’s even putting power to its traction motors.
Despite being rated for what, 5000 tons; a lot of the rolling stock nowadays is on roller bearings which are easier to move than the old journal boxes hence this scene that we are so glad happened.
Even with those friction pad cars they realized back than then they had underrated it badly
Once again, UP discovers the Big Boys were more powerful than they thought.
The beautiful power of steam!
Exhibición de potencia la más grande de todas sin duda
For the second time in American history, Justice has been served to anyone who has worked with or on a steam locomotive of any kind.
I remember seeing the pre-restoration videos of the Big Boy needing to be pulled as it had no power. And now here it is, pushing and pulling at the same time. Truly wonderful. 🥲
So powerful, truly impressive,massive and wonderfully made. These locomotive trains are made and designed that can stand the test of time. Great job brainy and hard working people during those time..✌️💖💪🙏🤩
4014's turbo needs to be changed out-its smokin waayy much😂😂
Ohh,that's a steamer😂😂😂
That's how you do it! Just great that an "old fashioned" steamer came to the rescue of a modern diesel powered freighttrain.
That is so awesome, so much power
You know when the crew is filming their own train it’s about to be really good
Too bad there was no way to pace it. This could be 4014's most spectacular movement yet.
Much thanks to Ed Dickens and his team for completely rebuilding and resurrecting Big Boy 4014. It is a joy to see them operating it with such skill and devotion.
We need to find the video the guy was taking in the cab!
It will be soon
@mikedorosz9574 where's that video at?
“Step aside, Son. This is a job for Superman…”
So difficult to get just that right shot like this one.
Is the modern engine there for brakes to function properly since they obviously don’t work on steam these days
Westinghouse air brakes have been standard on US railroads for over 100 years, 4014 can control them by itself. What the diesel provides is a PTC interface for safety, Dynamic brakes since the steamer doesn't have that ability, a boost if they get stuck, and conserving fuel and water between events by having the diesel move the train with the steamer coasting in front. For this they would have put the diesel down to idle so that 4014 could properly clear its throat and impress railfans worldwide.
Even today with the modern diesel electric locomotives, a big blast from the past is needed to save the day! All while pulling its own train! Gosh darn that is amazing power.
What l would like to know is how much of this train was in compression as a result of 4014 pushing from the rear? The skill of a pusher engineer has to be top notch as to much compression could derail any or all the cars in between. This was magnificent, thanks to all that were responsible
Very awesome find!😍😍💖💖🤗🤗🤝🤝
Great video and sweet catch
This is great. What a beautiful train.
Big boy doing what bigboy was built to do, what an amazing sight to see in 2023
1% isn't much of a grade. In West Virginia, they would call that level ground. 😁
Very impressive! Los of stack talk. The old boy laid right into the freight to show everyone who the boss is! Did 4014's protection power help with the move or was it just hanging out and watching the steamer?
No it was idling.
In another video the diesel did help at the start when 4014 was a bit struggling to get grip but was sent to idle again when 4014 finally got grip
@@KuroTh3Demon…still
GREAT VIDEO
Now this is what I call a super rescue. It would definitely make a superb Railway Series story, but with the Big Boy engine as the focus instead of Henry. Normally, I like seeing me a cavalcade of long, heavy trains, but when it comes to getting halted at a railroad crossing having to almost be late for work and sh!t, an exception is somewhat in consideration, philosophically. But trains are cool, railroading sounds like a delight of inspiration I'd so be interested in doing for a honest living. I'm still following that dream, and I won't stop til it comes true. I'll be a changed man forever.
All that weight pushed, PUSHED mind you, up hill by a single engine while pulling more tonnage from behind... powerful iron beast!
A lot of comments have been made of other locomotives like the Yellowstones which had a slightly greater tractive effort but the UP Big Boys and Challengers were built for speed! They had better better balancing and a really sophisticated front lead truck suspension . The DMIR Yellowstones were never intended to go 60 mph while Big Boys and Challengers often did. Same goes for the N&W Y6 series, powerful brutes for mostly low speed ore train operations, high speed use was possible but the low drivers would cause the motion to wear rapidly. And then there were the Allegheny's which were a controversial design that was never fully utilized.
Agreed, Allegheny never lived up to performance numbers while Big Boy always exceed the performance numbers .
Could a single diesel locomotive handle that load? I'm thinking not!
4014..."hold my beer" i got this
Love the stack bark noise
Anyone notice at 2.35 loose load of I beams ? Appears the one closest had moved back. Very dangerous. And that's folks why you never stand next to the line with a freight going past at speed. Will have to visit US again. Well done UP for the restoration. Mark Southern Australia
The 4014 beast to the rescue once again
It sure wanted to pick up speed too, I don't think it was working at full throttle here either.
Someone on another video said they only had the throttle cracked open 50%. Not sure how much of that I believe, but it would be neat if it was true
@@daveb1081 It did not sound like 300 psi going up the funnel. Think the cut off was some way back to.
Steam Locomotives, when it comes to it, can Totally match, or even surpass the Power of Diesel locomotives.
This is real Life SuperRescue.
I'd really love to believe this isn't just a PR stunt. They did the same thing with 844 in the 90s. I used to have the history channel video where it was mentioned.
That was AMAZING! 🤯❤😎
Good old horse 🐎 Power ! Go Go 4014 Big boy !
Here is 4014 doing what she was designed to do and pulling her own train awesome
I bet every single person on that passenger train was impressed at the power, and im willing to bet a good chunk of them were honored to be there for this. At least i hope there werent a lot of people complaining about the delay, because to me, theres nothing more beautiful than a steam engine doing what it was designed to do.
Just the Big Boy having fun!
That is badass seen 4014 push that freight train up that little grade That's so badass I still think Union Pacific should hook her up to some freight cars and put her to work maybe once or twice a year make a big thing about it I bet a lot of people would come to see that.
That is a unusual DPU!